The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Anambra State chapter has fixed August 9 for the flag-off of its campaign ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election in the state.
This was disclosed on Friday by the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Mr John Nwosu, during the inauguration of a 22-member campaign committee headed by Engr Ike Iwenofu.
Speaking at the event, which took place at the party’s office in Awka, Nwosu described ADC as a coalition party comprising people of proven character who had been selected to serve on the campaign committee.
He stated that the coalition was the best development so far, coming before the launch of the ADC campaign, and called for teamwork to achieve the set goals, expressing confidence in the committee members.
‎”What’s important is that we avoid gossip, trust ourselves and sort our differences amicably and in the right quarters. We have no time left and our work is at the grassroots,” he said.
Nwosu, an ICT expert, urged members to familiarise themselves with the ADC manifesto, which he said is anchored on seven pillars namely security, health, education, economy, environment, market, and social welfare.
He noted that the party had learnt valuable lessons from its recent tour of the local government areas, disclosing that the main complaints against the incumbent state government were high rental costs, insecurity, and over-taxation, issues the party had resolved to address.
Nwosu further disclosed that the campaign committee had been divided into three to cover the state’s three senatorial zones, each headed by a zonal director. He urged members to engage directly with the electorate.
‎”Our office here is for meetings; after this, it is field work. Be true ambassadors of the party and be of good character so people can believe you,” he charged the members, noting that the committee comprises individuals drawn from various parties, reflecting the spirit of coalition.
He added that the approach would be replicated across all wards.
The governorship hopeful restated the party’s resolve to perform strongly in the forthcoming state assembly and senatorial by-elections in Onitsha North 1 and Anambra South, urging members to use those contests to make a bold statement.
He emphasised that the campaign launch on August 9 would demonstrate the party’s seriousness, noting that steps were already being taken to ensure its success.
In his acceptance speech, campaign committee chairman Engr Ike Iwenofu described his appointment as a privilege and pledged not to disappoint. He emphasised the importance of God in all endeavours and commended Nwosu for his leadership.
‎Iwenofu urged members to focus on issues in their campaigns and noted that technology would be deployed for effective voter engagement.
Deputy governorship candidate Chief Ndubisi Nwobu called for unity of purpose and commitment, stressing the importance of partnership and assuring members that their sacrifices would be rewarded.
ADC State Chairman Patrick Obianyo described the day as the beginning of great things for the party. He recalled that ADC was founded by a son of the state, Chief Okey Nwosu, and urged members to secure victory, starting with the coming state and national assembly by-elections.
“Be very serious in this onerous task,” he urged the committee.
Senatorial candidate for Anambra South, Barrister Donald Amamgbo, described Anambra as a distinguished state but lamented that the state’s leadership had distanced itself from the people.
He remarked, “Anyone saying government did not work should go to Abia and see governance at work,” and assured that ADC would surprise the state with its performance.
A former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Ben Chuks Nwosu, was named Chief of Staff, while Chief Bonny Okoye was appointed Campaign Manager. Renowned journalist Mr Sunny Igboanugo will head media and publicity.
The campaign committee members were drawn from the three senatorial zones, mainly from ADC, PDP, LP, SDP, COPDEM, and a few from APC.
